Specialist Women's Health in Exeter
Discover comprehensive physiotherapy and massage services tailored for women’s health. Our expert therapists specialise in addressing women’s specific health needs, offering personalised treatment plans to enhance overall well-being. From prenatal care to postpartum recovery and addressing musculoskeletal issues, our services prioritise women’s health through evidence-based practices. Explore the benefits of our women-centric physiotherapy and massage services, promoting optimal health and vitality. Trust our skilled professionals for a holistic approach to women’s wellness.
Women's Health Physiotherapy
Our specialist women’s health service is led by expert Physiotherapist Victoria Caulfield. Victoria is passionate in supporting all aspects of women’s health, for all generations. From urinary incontinence and prolapse, to painful sex, her aim is to empower you to get back to doing what is most important to you.
Victoria provides a range of general women’s health appointments, oCering support for pregnancy related issues such as pelvic girdle pain (PGP), back pain, or leakage triggered by sneezing or coughing. She also helps women experiencing pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, or symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause. Many women face challenges during these stages, including pelvic floor dysfunction, poor sleep, general aches and pains, and mood shifts. Victoria works closely with clients to assess their needs and provide tailored treatments to help them achieve their health goals.
You can keep up to date and follow Victoria on her Instagram account by clicking here.
Postnatal Assessment
Prenatal Assessment
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy for Pelvic Girdle Pain
James is dedicated to alleviating discomfort and enhancing mobility during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Through personalised treatment plans, we target pelvic girdle pain, providing techniques and exercises that strengthen, stabilise, and restore functionality to the pelvic region. Our approach aims to improve overall comfort and aid in a smoother transition through pregnancy and into the postpartum phase.
Because James developed a specialist interest in the pelvis it was a natural progression that he sought to understand how the pelvic floor works, how pregnancy affects the pelvis and the whole body both before and after your baby is born. He has undertaken further postgraduate training in the treatment of persistent pelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction in exercise as well as concerns about exercising during pregnancy, and postpartum issues.
Specialised Pre and Postnatal Massage Services
In addition to physiotherapy, we offer specialised massage services designed to support women throughout their pregnancy and the postpartum. Our skilled massage therapists provide tailored sessions addressing various needs, including stress relief, relaxation and specific musculoskeletal concerns. Enhancing overall wellbeing, our massages are crafted to support women throughout their pregnancy through to the postpartum, relieving troublesome aches and pains. We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing and stress-free environment to support pregnant women and new mothers alike.
What are the benefits of a pregnancy massage?
A pregnancy massage can be deeply rejuvenating to expectant mothers. Some of the benefits include:
– Improved general wellbeing
-Alleviates stress and anxiety
– Promotes relaxation
-Eases swelling in the extremities
-Reduced muscle tension and discomfort
-Contributes to better sleep quality
Pregnancy Massage & Pelvic Pain
Why women across Exeter choose Barefoot to support their health and wellbeing.
There is a lot of confusing and outdated information around pregnancy, pelvic pain, and massage. Many people are told that pain means something is “wrong,” unstable, or needs fixing — which can understandably increase worry during pregnancy.
Current research paints a much clearer and more reassuring picture.
Pregnancy-related pelvic pain is now understood to be less about structural “misalignment” or instability, and more about how the nervous system is responding to the physical, emotional, and mental demands of pregnancy. Factors such as stress, tiredness, hormonal change, and feeling overwhelmed can all influence how pain is experienced.
Why massage can help
Massage in pregnancy isn’t about correcting alignment or “fixing” the pelvis. Instead, it works by helping your body and nervous system settle.
Research shows that hands-on therapy can produce a short-term hypoalgesic effect — a reduction in pain sensitivity, particularly through centrally mediated mechanisms. In pregnancy, this can be especially valuable when pain is influenced by heightened nervous system sensitivity and ongoing stress.
Massage can help by:
- Encouraging deep relaxation
- Reducing stress and muscle tension
- Calming the nervous system
- Improving comfort and body awareness
Many pregnant people also tell us how important it feels to receive kind, therapeutic touch, rather than only clinical or functional contact. Feeling supported, listened to, and cared for can make a meaningful difference to overall wellbeing during pregnancy.
A supportive, non-pathologising approach
Our approach to pregnancy massage
At Barefoot Physio, pregnancy massage is delivered by experienced, highly trained massage therapists who understand the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy.
Our sessions are:
- Adapted to your stage of pregnancy and comfort
- Focused on relaxation, safety, and reassurance
- Grounded in a modern understanding of pain
- Designed to support your wellbeing, not create fear or dependency
Every session is tailored to you, with positioning options, pace, and pressure adjusted so you feel safe, supported, and listened to.
Call Us
0333 577 9192
Online Booking
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for women’s health physiotherapy?
No. You can book directly with Barefoot Physio. GP or consultant referrals are welcome but not required.
When should I book a postnatal assessment?
We recommend from 8 weeks postpartum, whether you’ve had a vaginal or caesarean birth. It’s never too late, even years later, postnatal assessments can be beneficial.
Can physiotherapy help with prolapse or incontinence?
Yes. Specialist pelvic health physiotherapy is evidence-based and can significantly improve symptoms of prolapse and urinary leakage.
Is treatment safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Prenatal physiotherapy and massage are adapted to your stage of pregnancy and focus on comfort, safety, and wellbeing.
Why Choose Barefoot Physio for Women’s Health?
Why women across Exeter choose Barefoot Physio for Women’s Health Physiotherapy
Specialist women’s health physiotherapy in Exeter, delivered by HCPC-registered physiotherapists with advanced postgraduate training in pelvic health.
Expert care for pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic pain, and pre- and postnatal recovery, including support through pregnancy and menopause.
Comprehensive women’s health services, from prenatal and postnatal physiotherapy to pelvic pain treatment and dedicated women's health massage.
Trusted by hundreds of women locally, with consistent 5-star reviews and strong word-of-mouth across Exeter and the surrounding area.
Integrated, long-term support, combining physiotherapy, Pilates, and personalised rehabilitation to help women move confidently, reduce symptoms, and improve their overall wellbeing.
Our aim is to provide safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care tailored to every stage of life.
Call Us
0333 577 9192
Online Booking
Book Now
